Israel's counterterrorism bureau has raised the danger level for travel to Istanbul to the highest possible level, calling on all Israelis in the city to leave immediately.

The announcement came hours after Foreign Minister Yair Lapid announced the travel warning, saying there was a "real and immediate" threat of an "Iranian plot to kidnap/kill Israelis," and urged Israelis to avoid any unnecessary travel to Istanbul or Turkey in general.

"Two weeks ago, a travel warning was issued for Turkey after Defense Department officials expressed concerns about Iranian attempts to harm Israeli targets around the world, especially in Turkey," the National Security Council position paper said in support of the decision.

The move means Turkey's rating is now 4, putting it on par with Iran, Afghanistan, Burkina Faso and other dangerous corners of the globe.